What Should You Look for When Buying Gin?

Check the botanical bill, the style (London Dry vs contemporary), and how you intend to drink it — a gin built for a Martini isn't necessarily the same gin you'd want in a G&T.

Gin shopping benefits from thinking about intended use just as much as flavour preference, since the category spans such a wide stylistic range.

Check the botanical bill

Most gin labels or brand websites list the key botanicals used. If you already know you like a juniper-forward, classic profile, look for language like "London Dry" or "classic." If you're drawn to something more distinctive, look for gins built around a standout botanical — citrus, floral, or a New Zealand native ingredient like mānuka, kawakawa or horopito.

Match the gin to the drink

• Gin and tonic — a robust, juniper-forward gin generally holds up best against tonic's bitterness.
• Martini — a cleaner, drier gin with good balance tends to work best, since there's nowhere for flaws to hide in such a simple drink.
• Gin-based cocktails with strong other flavours (Negroni, Tom Collins) — a gin with a bit more character can stand up well against other bold ingredients.

Consider ABV

Most gin sits around 37.5–47% ABV — higher-ABV "navy strength" gins (57%+) pack more intensity and can be a better choice for cocktails that dilute the spirit significantly (like a long drink with lots of tonic or juice).

Support local where it interests you

New Zealand's gin scene is large and varied (it's the most common spirit category in our own distillery directory) — if you're curious about local craft distilling, gin is generally the easiest and most affordable entry point to start exploring.

Try small before buying big

Many bars and bottle shops offer smaller-format bottles or tasting flights — a good way to explore a few unfamiliar gins before committing to a full-size bottle.